Weather Alerts and Preparedness Information

The National Weather Service has issued two advisories: a HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK and a WIND ADVISORY for our region, running from Thursday, April 6 through Wednesday, April 12. Heavy rains, strong winds and potential for flooding are expected at times.

For current storm information, and to view these weather advisories, please click here.

From the National Weather Service:

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK:
DAY ONE...Today and Tonight: A late-season storm will bring rain as well as strong and gusty winds to the area from Thursday evening and overnight. The following issues can be expected:
* Moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall at times especially for the North Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Sur Coast. Hydrological issues will likely include but may not be limited to urban and local small stream flooding.

* Rainfall amounts by Saturday will range from 2 to 4 inches for the North Bay and coastal ranges with generally 1/2" to 1 1/2" in the valleys.

* Strong and gusty winds will accompany the storm system late Thursday night into Friday morning. High Wind Warnings and Wind
Advisories are in effect. See WWUS76 KMTR SFONPWMTR for more info.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN... Friday through Wednesday: Rain and wind to persist through Friday morning with showers again Friday night into Saturday. Dry conditions expected on Sunday with unsettled weather returning by the middle of the week.

A potent spring storm system will bring strong and gusty winds to the the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay Area beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday morning. The strongest winds are expected to occur along the coast and in the hills. Winds will diminish by late Friday morning...but will remain gusty through Friday night as a second storm system moves through.

A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts of at least 45 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make drivingdifficult...especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
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Please make sure you are prepared by checking your property for areas where flooding could occur due to clogged drains or gutters. Make sure you have enough food, water and batteries. If you have time, please check on your neighbors who are elderly or housebound before, during and after the storm. During the storm, our Town staff could be extremely busy moving from location to location throughout town and may not be able to respond to you right away.
How you can help:

If you see a storm drain on your street that is filled with leaves or debris, and you don't see our Public Works crews in your area, go ahead remove the leaves - this may just help divert a water flow and avoid flooding onto your property or a neighbor's property.

Fill your sand bags now! Please do not wait for the storm to arrive

If you see a downed power line, contact PG&E at 800-743-5000 or non-emergency dispatch at 415-927-5150. If you see a downed tree, contact the Department of Public Works at 415-927-5057 during regular business hours and non-emergency dispatch after hours at 415-927-5150. See below for additional information and resources.

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The Town of Corte Madera strongly encourages businesses and residents to prepare for winter storms. Please read below for information and resources available to help you prepare for the many issues winter storms may present.

FLOODINGIf your home or business is in a low-lying area with a history of flooding, please take the time now to prepare for the possibility of flooding:

Sand bag filling stations are available behind Fire Station 14 (342 Tamalpais Blvd.) and on Paradise Drive in the parking lot adjacent to the San Clemente Park / Cove School fields. All supplies are provided. Note: Sand bags are useful in preventing flooding but may not be 100% watertight. Properly filled and placed sandbags are meant to act as a barrier to divert moving water around, instead of through, buildings. Click here to see suggestions on how to effectively fill and stack sandbags.

If a blocked catch basin or stormdrain is causing flooding contact the Department of Public Works at 415-927-5057 during regular business hours and non-emergency dispatch after hours 415-927-5150. If the blocked storm drain is causing an immediate danger, call 911 from any land or mobile phone.

Please do not leave piles of leaves in the roadway. Please rake them up and place them in your green bin for disposal. Leaves left in the street will block storm drains and may lead to flooding.

For more information on high tides, click here.For more current local weather, click here.

POWER OUTAGES

Have flashlights and battery-operated radios with fresh batteries ready for updates on storm conditions and power outages. Tune in to KQED 88.5 FM, KCBS 740 AM or KGO 810 AM.

Fire Officials recommend that residents do not use candles because of the risk of fire. Use battery-powered light sources.

If the tree is within the Town limits of Corte Madera and is on Town property, or if the tree is blocking a public right of way or roadway contact the Department of Public Works at 415-927-5057 during regular business hours and non-emergency dispatch after hours at 415-927-5150.

If the tree is on private property or has fallen onto private property contact the property owner.

If the tree is touching electrical wires contact PG&E at 800-743-500 or non-emergency dispatch at 415-927-5150.

If the tree or limb is causing an immediate danger, call 911 from any land or mobile phone.

DRIVE WITH CAUTION

When driving in the rain, use extra caution and always have your headlights on. Remember, if you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights.

Please obey the speed limits and follow other traffic at a safe distance.

Do not drive through standing water. Only 6 inches of water can be enough to stall your car and cause irreparable damage to the engine.

WHEN TO CALL 911In an emergency, call 911 immediately from any wired or wireless phone. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance such as a fire, a car crash (especially if someone is injured), or a medical emergency where a person is requiring immediate medical attention.

If you hear the Town Emergency Siren, do not call 911. Instead, tune in to 1330 AM, which is operated by the Town of Corte Madera, and carries messages of evacuation instructions updated on as-needed basis during emergency situations. Or tune in to KQED 88.5 FM, KCBS 740 AM or KGO 810 AM or local TV stations for further information. You can also check the Town of Corte Madera's website and the other sites listed above for information.